Three years ago next week, I attended my first writers conference: Chuckanut, in Bellingham. There, on the second day, during a session about storyboarding your novel, I settled on one of three ideas for a novel I’d had kicking around in my head for at least a year. I just knew. It was the right time. It was this story.
There, on the third day, in the break between sessions, the life I was carrying began to let go. It was in writing this blog post, The Scariest Thing a few days after the conference, that I realized how my universe had shifted.
Three weeks later, as I sought to heal from this round of anger and grief, I turned to the page. I couldn’t yet lift my head to look forward, but I found a way to create life in the moment. I began writing a novel. I’m so glad I marked that day in words: Today was the day
Last week, something else happened. This:
These are the ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) of my novel. The uncorrected proofs sent to book reviewers and bloggers, bookstores, and used for marketing and publicity purposes. They aren’t quite the real thing—official publication is February 2016— but damn if they aren’t real enough.
I’m giving away most of the copies in this box, details here: In Another Life ARC giveaway The real deal is also available for pre-order on Amazon: In Another Life: Pre-order on Amazon I’d be over the moon if you took the order details to your local bookstore and/or library to request they order the novel for their shelves. Booksellers & Merchandisers can contact Valerie Pierce valerie.pierce@sourcebooks.com from my publisher and she’d be happy to send them a galley.
This novel is the life I’ve created. Since that July day, I haven’t stopped writing. I haven’t been able to. Another of those ideas I carried with me to the conference is becoming a novel: I’ll have a solid first draft by the end of this week or the next. In between, a second novel is now on submission. Other short stories and essays have found their way into their world, and still others I am letting rest, until it is their time to be polished and sent on their way.
But this. This thing that has happened.
I can’t believe it, really.
“Who wants to become a writer? And why? Because it’s the answer to everything. … It’s the streaming reason for living. To note, to pin down, to build up, to create, to be astonished at nothing, to cherish the oddities, to let nothing go down the drain, to make something, to make a great flower out of life, even if it’s a cactus.”
—Enid Bagnold
Congratulations Julie!
Those ARCs look gorgeous.
I really can’t wait to read “In Another Life”. That area of France has always fascinated me and is on my bucket list to travel to.
– Kim 🙂
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PS -and we all know it didn’t “just happen” but involved months ( or years) of hard work, diligence, intelligence and perseverance. Kudos.
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A labor of love (and yes, blood, sweat, tears for sure!)
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Oh wow Julie- you are essentially “there” – and sounds like you have two more buns in the oven too! 🙂
You’ve inspired me to get back to my #2 ( and#3).
Will look forward to ” In Another LIfe” – it is historical fiction right? One on my favorite genres.
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Oh Cinda, I’m so honored to be an inspiration. Yes! Please keep going with your novels!
In Another Life moves back and forth between 13th century and contemporary France- the medieval bits are at the start of the Crusade against the Cathars. So, definitely some historical, as well as modern intrigue. SO MUCH fun to write!
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Many, many congratulations, Julie! Your box of ARCs looks rather heart-stopping! What an achievement!
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Thank you, wonderful Leslie!
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Congratulations, Julie! This post was just what I needed to read this morning. I am contemplating attending a writer’s workshop in August but am so intimidated. I think I should just do it! Look forward to reading more from you.
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Go Geralyn! Don’t be intimidated– writers of all levels and ranges of experience attend conferences- you will find kindred spirits and inspiration and maybe even mentors. Go for yourself and be open to all the possibilities.
I love your blog! So delighted to have discovered you. I’m a runner, too!
Best wishes — I can’t wait to see where you go next 🙂
Julie
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Thanks for your encouraging words, Julie. Hope to face my fears and enroll in the workshop. Have you ever run the New Haven Labor Day 20K? I’ve run it the last 14 years.
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Oops, my mistake. I thought you lived in CT. 🙂
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LOL! I have so many dear friends in New England, I *could* run that race. I stopped racing a couple of years ago, after healing from chronic injuries. Happily, I’m running more and stronger than ever before, but I think I’ve hung up my racing togs. Although I’d love to get back into triathlons. . . so much to do, so little time!
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Wow. Congratulations and well deserved. How exciting. I’ll certainly ask my bookshop to order. Huge pat on the back.
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Nancy, thank you! Thank you for walking with me on this journey.
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I could not be happier for you — congrats on your hard work and your success.
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Charlotte, there just aren’t words enough to thank you for being a reader. Your feedback made all the difference. Thank you!
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Congratulations, Julie! Wishing you every happiness and success! Love the beautiful cover!
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Thank you, Cynthia! So great to have feedback about the cover. It’s not at all what I envisioned, but I’m delighted with it. Thank goodness I wasn’t allowed to design it–I’ll just stick to the writing and leave the graphics to people who know what they are doing! 🙂 I’m so grateful for your support.
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Congratulations! I will happily request my bookstore and library order your novel. I can’t wait to read it. So exciting, Julie!
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Naia, you are so wonderful- thank you for the amazing support! xoxoxo
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Dear Julie , Hooray. Can’t wait to read it. I’ll make sure Little Prof and College Book Store order it. Love, Mary Anne
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Dearest Mary Anne, how wonderful! Thank you! My love to you and Don.
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Congratulations! I wish you much luck and happiness!
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Oh Eva, thank you! I’m just thrilled to see the success of The Memory Box. All my best to you!
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Reblogged this on change it up editing.
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Candace, your intro is so wonderful- I’m honored and delighted-thank you!
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Such congratulations! You are living proof of the wisdom that the difference between those who succeed and those who do not is perseverance. You never quit! You inspire me daily.
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AH! I love this, Margaret. Thank you for the virtual hugs, the support and faith. And the understanding. xoxoxo
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